Ilia Topuria Predicts ‘Strategy’ of Justin Gaethje ahead of UFC Freedom 250 Title Fight

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria believes that the audience will see a totally different side of Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

Ilia Topuria Predicts ‘Strategy’ of Justin Gaethje ahead of UFC Freedom 250 Title Fight

Ilia Topuria weighs in on how Justin Gaethje will fight (via Yahoo Sports)

Ilia Topuria is undoubtedly among the most dangerous fighters in the UFC. While the Spaniard is known for his exceptional knockout power, he also tries to develop an analytical understanding of his opponents’ styles and tendencies. He now prepares to face Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in a title unification bout. Topuria recently analyzed Gaethje’s potential game plan heading into their upcoming bout.

Gaethje is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC, and has remained consistent since his debut in 2017. ‘The Highlight’ has built a reputation for relentless action and fast-paced striking exchanges. Win or lose, Gaethje has consistently earned Performance of the Night or Fight of the Night honors across his UFC appearances. His UFC 268 war against Michael Chandler was also the 2021 UFC Fight of the Year.

Gaethje recently delivered an impressive performance against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, winning the interim lightweight title. The victory further strengthened his reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders. Topuria is himself a striking specialist and a proven knockout artist. Ahead of UFC Freedom 250, he recently weighed in on how Gaethje is likely to prepare for the main event.

I think we’re going to see a completely different Justin than we’re used to seeing. He’s going to show up with a completely different style. He’s going to try to wrestle, throw hard kicks, inside leg kicks, low kicks, outside kicks, and high kicks. His strategy will be to take the fight into the later rounds, let me fade, and then come on strong with his punches.

Ilia Topuria via UFC

Topuria has previously analyzed the interim champion’s fighting style in detail. He has described Gaethje as a particularly unusual opponent because of his striking approach. However, his older brother, Aleksandre Topuria, has acknowledged that Gaethje is extremely dangerous during exchanges. He also noted that Gaethje often throws based on what is working rather than carefully selecting every punch.

Former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez also recently weighed in on the matchup between Topuria and Gaethje. He suggested that Gaethje should rely on his damaging calf kicks to find success in the fight. The American star possesses one of the most effective kicking games in the lightweight division. Gaethje has also noted that he will have a height advantage over the Spaniard when they meet on June 14th.

Ilia Topuria enters UFC Freedom 250 after a brutal knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in his last outing. The win cemented his status as one of the UFC’s most dangerous champions. However, Gaethje remains confident and believes he already has a plan to defeat ‘El Matador.’ With both men carrying momentum into the contest, the bout is shaping up to be one of the biggest fights of the year.

RELATED
Justin Gaethje Thinks Two Factors Can Negate Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250

Ilia Topuria reveals why Justin Gaethje’s comments caught him off guard

Ilia Topuria’s rise to the top of the UFC has coincided with significant challenges outside the Octagon. The lightweight champion recently went through a highly publicized separation from Giorgina Uzcategui, which led to divorce and custody proceedings involving their daughter. Topuria later acknowledged the emotional difficulties of the process, describing it as a painful situation for everyone involved.

Justin Gaethje, Ilia Topuria
Possibility of Justin Gaethje retiring after Ilia Topuria fight brought up [via MMA Mania and Lance]

Justin Gaethje recently intensified the buildup to UFC Freedom 250 by taking aim at Topuria’s personality and personal life. During a media appearance, the interim champion labeled the lightweight king a “gimmick” and referenced his recent divorce. They also set the stage for the Georgian-Spanish champion to publicly address the remarks and explain why he felt the line had been crossed.

I wasn’t expecting Justin to bring up this kind of conversation. You don’t have to talk about my divorce, that’s my personal stuff. Why would you want to cross that line? Anyways, I’d knock him out in the first round, and this time what he said is gonna taste a little bit better.

Ilia Topuria via Sportsnet

Topuria has repeatedly shown that he is a dangerous opponent when given extra motivation heading into a fight. While Gaethje has since clarified that he was not taking direct shots at Topuria’s separation, the comments have only added intrigue to the matchup. The Spaniard will undoubtedly be determined to deliver a dominant performance and defend his lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250.

Also Read: